Feb 11, 2014

National Indian Gaming Association Partners With Urban Expositions On Tradeshow & Convention

In an effort to further strengthen and expand its annual Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) is partnering with Urban Expositions, an event management company with over 15 years of tradeshow experience. Effective immediately, Urban Expositions will handle all tradeshow floor sales, marketing and operational duties for the May 11-14, 2014 Tradeshow at the San Diego Convention Center.

“In listening to feedback from our customers and partners, we determined that the best way to build upon the future growth of the NIGA tradeshow was to engage the services of a professional tradeshow organization,” explains Jason Giles, Executive Director/General Counsel, NIGA. “The Urban team came highly recommended by a member of our tribal community. After pursuing other alternatives, I felt that Urban is the best fit for NIGA at this time. Urban has built a strong reputation over the years for its hands-on management style and commitment to customer service. I am confident they will take good care of our tradeshow floor vendors and attendees.”

“We are honored to have the opportunity to work with the NIGA leadership and its members to continue the tradition of success for the nation’s premier Indian gaming event,” said Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “We see tremendous potential for future growth and new business opportunities for exhibitors and attendees alike. We will hit the ground running as we take over the sales, marketing and other management roles for the upcoming May edition and look forward to a long, successful partnership with NIGA.”

Now entering its 23rd year, the Indian Gaming Annual Tradeshow & Convention is the leading industry event for the Indian casino-entertainment industry. During the four-day event, Indian gaming executives, vendors, and other industry professionals come together to explore the latest product and service innovations and gaming industry trends. Tribal leaders, gaming regulators, and industry professionals also attend numerous conference sessions and workshops on the latest developments in Indian Gaming.

Representing another step in the growth of Urban Expositions’ increasingly diversified tradeshow range, the NIGA show addition will join the Atlanta-based company’s other areas of responsibility, including its 2013 acquisitions of the U.S.-based Food Service and Restaurant Shows from Reed Exhibitions, the SOFA Chicago event from the Art Fair Company, the airport concessions holding, Airport Revenue News, which services the restaurant/food service and retail components of the airport industry, as well as 25+ shows serving the giftware, home décor and souvenir industries.

Urban has appointed industry veteran Brian Sullivan to head up sales and operations for the show. In his role, Sullivan will oversee booth sales, exhibitor relations and work closely with the show decorator and other providers for all advance, on site, and post show operational aspects. Sullivan brings a wealth of tradeshow and event management experience to the new position, including 15-plus years working on gaming events such as World Gaming, Southern Gaming Summit, Florida Gaming Summit, Gaming Technology and a number of other trade shows and conferences. Mr. Sullivan will work closely with NIGA in-house tradeshow personnel so that all aspects of the show are coordinated and attendees will continue to enjoy a seamless event from the Golf Tournaments to the Tradeshow Floor, and Workshops.

In addition to direct responsibilities for sales and operational duties, Urban Expositions will also handle all attendee and exhibitor marketing efforts for the show, including direct mail, trade advertising, digital and social media, on-site marketing support, production of the NIGA Resource and Convention Guides and more.

Urban will also assume administrative duties for the trade show, including billing, exhibitor communication, and other day-to-day duties.

For information on exhibiting at the May 2014 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, contact Brian Sullivan at bsullivan@urban-expo.com or 800.318.2238. For information on attending, contact Urban Expositions at 800.318.2238. Additional information can be obtained by visiting www.indiangaming.org/events/tradeshow

ABOUT URBAN EXPOSITIONS

Urban Expositions is one of the largest tradeshow organizers in the U.S, owning and producing 32 shows each year. In January of 1996, Urban Expositions launched the semi-annual Philadelphia Gift Show, which has become one of the largest and most successful regional gift events in the nation. Since then, the company has continued to grow through acquisitions and new show development. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Urban Expositions offers a complete roster of trade show management services, including exhibit sales and marketing, operations, exhibitor/attendee promotions and services, media relations, seminar and event coordination, database development and management. www.urban-expo.com

ABOUT NIGA

The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA), established in 1985, is a non-profit organization of 184 Indian Nations with other non-voting associate members representing organizations, tribes and businesses engaged in tribal gaming enterprises from around the country. The common commitment and purpose of NIGA is to advance the lives of Indian peoples economically, socially and politically. NIGA operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource for tribes, policymakers and the public on Indian gaming issues and tribal community development. For more information, visit www.indiangaming.org